Bio
Currently, Cheng is working on light-sound molecular imaging technology and its applications to solve key science questions in medicine. His core expertise includes 1) the stimulation and imaging techniques using light & sound and 2) the design and synthesis of functional imaging contrast agents.
Cheng received his Ph.D. (2018) in biomedical engineering (BME) from HK PolyU under the supervision of Prof. Lei Sun. He was involved in the photoacoustic and ultrasound molecular imaging of the tumor microenvironment. After that, he moved to the Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford (MIPS) in the Department of Radiology and spent one year as a postdoc working with Prof. Katherine Ferrara, where he learned the in vivo gene (e.g., mRNA) delivery technology by using lipid nanoparticles. After that, he moved to Prof. Jianghong Rao’s group in MIPS to develop background-free photoacoustic molecular imaging. From 2022 until now, Cheng has been working with Prof. Steven Chu (1997 Nobel Prize in Physics) in the Department of Physics and the Department of Molecular & Cellular Physiology. In Chu's lab, Cheng focuses more on molecular ultrasound imaging contrast agents and biophysical mechanisms.
Cheng has been presented with several research awards from the World Molecular Imaging Society (WMIS), including Shark Tank Competition Finalist (WMIC2018), Industry Selected Poster Award (WMIC2017), Student Travel Stipend Award (WMIC2018 & 2017).
